Adrian Newey hints at F1 comeback post-Red Bull exit

F1 design icon Newey not ready for retirement

In a recent interview at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Adrian Newey, the renowned Formula 1 designer, has given the firmest indication yet that he is not ready to retire from the sport despite leaving Red Bull after an 18-year stint.

Newey, the mastermind behind the cars that propelled Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to multiple world championships, has negotiated a deal that allows him to join a rival team in March 2025.

Inspiration from motorsport legends

Newey, who will turn 65 this year, admitted that he would have thought the idea of changing teams at this age was "absolutely mad" 15 years ago.

However, he has drawn inspiration from his father's experience of losing "his mojo" after retirement and the longevity of motorsport icons like Bernie Ecclestone and Roger Penske, who remain actively involved in their 90s and late 80s, respectively.

"I asked them both: 'What's your secret?' Because they've kept going and going, and for their age they're phenomenally mentally agile and physically agile,"

Newey revealed.

"They both said that old thing that the brain is like a muscle, it needs exercise and so you need to keep doing that."

Passion for motorsport design

Newey's passion for motorsport design has been a driving force throughout his career, which he has pursued since childhood.

"I've wanted to work in motor racing as a designer since I was the age of eight or 10.'

"I've been lucky enough to fulfil that ambition, to have got that first job and been in motor racing ever since. So every day has just been a bonus, really. I just love what I do,"

he said.

While Newey admitted to feeling "a little bit tired at the moment," he expressed his intention to take a break before likely returning to Formula 1 with a new challenge.

"I guess I'll have a bit of a holiday. I feel a little bit tired at the moment. But at some point, I'll probably go again."

Regret over timing

Newey expressed regret that the news of his departure from Red Bull was released on the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's tragic accident at Imola in 1994, where Senna lost his life in a Williams car designed by Newey.

He acknowledged the unfortunate timing and was taken aback by the significant media attention the announcement received.